Family: Euphorbiaceae
Common names: Parasol leaf tree, Macaranga, Blush macaranga, Macaranga tree, Umbrella macaranga
My earliest memories of these leaves are when I used to stay at my mom’s house in Manjapra, Kerala, when they would bring meat wrapped in these leaves every Sunday. The broad, elephant-ear like leaves were useful in wrapping vegetables and other common household items.
These trees used to be very common in backyards in Kerala, but not these days, probably because they are not very useful commercially. So much so, that I had to struggle to find good photos of these trees.
Tree Characteristics
The parasol leaf tree is a fast-growing tropical tree originally from Southeast Asia, northern Australia, and many Pacific islands.
It is commonly seen in warm, humid regions and often appears naturally in disturbed areas, forest edges, and open clearings. Because it grows quickly and tolerates strong sunlight, it is often one of the first trees to colonize open land in tropical climates.
The parasol leaf tree is a medium-sized tree that typically grows about 6–12 meters tall with a spread of around 5–8 meters. It usually develops a short trunk with smooth, pale grey to light brown bark.
The trunk is relatively straight but not very thick, often reaching about 20–30 centimeters in diameter. The tree can develop multiple trunks around the main trunk, giving it a bushy, rounded appearance.
Leaves of the Parasol leaf tree are very large, round, and shield-shaped, often measuring 20–40 centimeters across, giving the tree its name. Each leaf sits on a long stalk attached near the center of the leaf underside, giving it a parasol or umbrella-like appearance.
The upper surface is bright green while the underside often has a pale or slightly whitish tone. The leaves form a wide canopy that provides light shade.
Flowers are small and not particularly showy, usually appearing in clusters at the ends of branches. Male and female flowers may occur on separate trees. They are typically pale green or yellowish and only a few millimeters wide.
After flowering, the tree produces small round fruits about 6–10 millimeters in diameter that ripen from green to dark purple or black. Birds are attracted to these fruits and help disperse the seeds.
Gardening Tips
The parasol leaf tree grows best in full sunlight and warm temperatures. It prefers open spaces where it can receive direct sunlight for most of the day. In gardens it is often planted as a quick shade tree because of its large leaves and rapid growth rate.
This tree adapts to many soil types including sandy, loamy, or slightly rocky soils, as long as drainage is good. Young trees benefit from regular watering while they establish their root system. Once established, they tolerate short dry periods but still grow best with moderate moisture.
Spacing is important because the canopy spreads widely. Planting it at least 5–6 meters away from buildings or other trees allows the branches to develop naturally. The tree grows quickly, so occasional pruning may be needed to remove weak or crowded branches and maintain a balanced shape.
Fertilization is usually not necessary in fertile soils, but adding compost around the base once or twice a year helps maintain healthy growth. The parasol leaf tree generally has few serious pest problems, though young leaves may occasionally attract caterpillars or leaf-eating insects.
Uses of Parasol Leaf Tree
The parasol leaf tree is often grown as an ornamental tree in tropical gardens because of its unusually large leaves and quick growth. Its broad canopy provides light shade, making it useful for parks, roadside planting, and restoration of open landscapes.
The fruits, barks, and even leaves of the Parasol leaf tree are used in the preparation of a popular drink called ‘Basi’ in the Philippines.The fruits of this tree attract birds and other wildlife, which helps support local ecosystems.
In traditional medicine across parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, different parts of the tree have been used in local treatments for cuts, wounds, fever, stomach infections, skin conditions, inflammation, and toothache. The tree also contains compounds that have been studied for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The large leaves have also been used in simple household ways. In some places they are used as natural wrapping material for food or as temporary plates. Because the leaves are broad and sturdy, they have also been used as makeshift covers or shade in rural settings.
Sap obtained from the Parasol leaf tree is used as a glue, and the leaves are used to produce black dye. The wood of the tree is not very strong, and cannot be used for carpentry purposed. Bark of the tree produced tannins that are used for strenthening ropes and fishing nets.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and sometimes stem cuttings.
Fresh seeds collected from ripe fruits germinate fairly easily in warm, moist soil, and young seedlings grow quickly when placed in sunny conditions with regular watering.
Photographed at: Thrissur, Kerala
